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Dr. Rick Sacra, a Boston-area obstetrician, is the third known American to be identified as having contracted the Ebola virus. Sacra was working in Liberia where he was delivering babies when he was reportedly exposed to the virus.

Serving in Mission, the aid group both Nacy Writbol and Dr. Kent Brantly worked with, announced the new diagnosis:

SIM USA reported today that one of its missionary doctors in Liberia has tested positive for the Ebola virus.The American doctor was treating obstetrics patients at SIM's ELWA hospital in Monrovia. Upon onset of the symptoms, the doctor immediately isolated himself and has since been transferred to the ELWA Ebola isolation unit. The doctor is doing well and is in good spirits."

Both Brantly and Writebol returned to the United States for treatment and have made full recoveries, however, it remains unknown if Sacra will return to the United States to seek treatment. According to Fox News, Sacra opted not to wear the protective gear as he delivered babies in three-digit temperatures. 

 
Post by SIM.

“Rick is a veteran doctor with SIM," SIM President Bruce Johnson said to the Daily News. "Rick and his wife Debbie joined SIM in the late ‘80s. They have served in Liberia – Rick at one point was our Liberia country director."

 Meanwhile, the largest-ever Ebola outbreak continues to spiral out of control. 

The number of people infected with Ebola has grown to 3,500, with more than 1,900 deaths, according to the World Health Organization, or WHO.

Health officials estimate that it will cost $600 million to rein in the spreading epidemic. 

This article is from the archive of our partner The Wire.

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